How to Choose Home Furniture: Anticipate the Activities in Each Room

Decorating a room with furniture can seem like an overwhelming task especially for new homes that are almost completely bare. It becomes easier to determine what kind of furniture to add by anticipating the area’s purpose and the activities that will be done in the room.

Is the room a place for entertainment? If so, then large seats such as sectional sofas may be needed if the room is meant to be the hub for all kinds of entertainment – from watching movies, to playing video games or board games, to simply conversing with friends and guests. An ottoman may be also added for extra seating. To complete the room, a side table or coffee table should be placed for cocktail trays and drinks during parties. An entertainment console is essential if you want to entertain guests with all kinds of media. This type of furniture conveniently keeps the television, DVD player, game consoles and stereo system all in one place. Media chests or drawers and cabinets may also be added for a convenient place to store DVDs, video games, TV guides and remotes.

On the other hand, if the room will be used for taking meals, then spare tables would come in handy. To keep the upkeep easy in your home, furniture that balances look and stain-resistance are excellent choices. Nowadays, you can easily find expandable wooden tables that don’t sacrifice look for utility.

If children will be frolicking in the room, then padded or upholstered furniture with no sharp edges can keep them safe. Kid-friendly cabinets and chests will also provide for easy clean up and storage of children’s toys. If this happens to be your child’s room, why not consider under-bed storage to help keep things neat and tidy? Another option is to choose bedding with a pull-out trundle to easily accommodate friends for sleepovers.

To redesign a room as the perfect place to read or study, consider adding various elements that give that cozy feel conducive to relaxed reading time. Reclining chairs, chaises and rugs are only some of these relaxing elements. Don’t forget the bookshelves and the right lampshades that provide ample light.

Planning out the layout of the house depending on the kind of activities expected in each room is one good way to narrow down what to look for before shopping for your home furniture. This way, you can anticipate what pieces to purchase first and avoid overspending on unnecessary furniture. This will work not only for your budget but also for the over-all order of your home. After all, a well planned home is one that guests are sure to remember when they come over.